Injured in a Car Accident as a Passenger in Columbia, SC

You’re riding down Interstate 26 near downtown Columbia, SC, when another car slams into the side of the car. The impact was so severe that you were injured and taken to the hospital. You were a passenger in the car and didn’t do anything wrong, so what can you do?

You may be able to file a personal injury claim against the driver who hit your car. South Carolina is a fault state, which means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. You’ll need to prove that the other driver was at fault to recover compensation.

If you were injured in a car accident as a passenger, contact an experienced car accident attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor in Columbia to discuss your case. An attorney can help you gather evidence and build a strong case against the at-fault driver.

Legal Options for Injured Passengers in South Carolina

If you have been injured in a South Carolina car accident, you may wonder what your legal options are. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries. Once you have done that, you should contact an accident attorney to discuss your case.

Injured passengers have various ways to seek compensation for their injuries after a car crash in Columbia, SC.

Claims Against the Other Driver

If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you might be able to file a claim against their insurance company. A car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you negotiate with the insurance company to get the compensation you deserve.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Claims

If the other driver was at fault for the accident and they do not have insurance, or if their insurance is not enough to cover your damages, you might be able to file a claim under the policy on the vehicle in which you were riding.

Many passengers worry about filing a claim with the insurance company of a friend or family member. However, there is no need to stress. Filing a claim with the driver’s UM/UIM does not mean you are accusing them of wrongdoing. Insurance policies are designed to protect you in these situations, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a claim.

Claims Against the Driver of Your Car

If you were injured in a car accident and the driver of your car was at fault, you might be able to file a claim against their bodily injury liability insurance. South Carolina drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of bodily injury coverage, which may cover your damages if the driver of your car was at fault for the accident.

Some states require drivers to carry personal injury protection insurance, which covers medical bills for drivers and their passengers. However, this is not the case in South Carolina. Insurance companies instead offer medical payments coverage. This coverage may help cover your medical bills up to their policy limit.

Claims Against Both Drivers

In some cases, both drivers might be at fault for the accident. For example, if one driver rear-ends another car, both drivers might be considered at fault. In these cases, you might be able to file a claim against both drivers’ insurance companies. If both drivers were negligent in the accident, each driver’s insurance company must pay a share of the claim.

Personal Injury Claims

If the insurance company refuses to pay you full and fair compensation for your injuries, you may need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. This civil lawsuit seeks compensation for your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Your Own Insurance Coverage

Sometimes, you may need to rely on your own car insurance. For example, if both drivers are at fault for the crash and only carry the minimum amount of liability insurance that South Carolina law requires, you may be left with expenses that are not covered.

If you have a separate underinsured motorist policy of your own, you may be able to make a claim under that policy. You should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case to find out the best option.

Damages You Can Recover as a Passenger in a Car Accident

As a passenger in a car accident, you might be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. These can include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

An experienced personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Contact an Experienced Columbia Car Accident Attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as a passenger, contact an experienced Columbia car accident attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will help you understand your rights and options to make the best decisions for your case.

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is a personal injury law firm representing accident victims throughout Columbia, South Carolina. We have years of experience handling various personal injury claims, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, and more. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and will do whatever it takes to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

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